By CE Critic - Buy Better Tech

Sony's Bravia Core vs. The Streaming Giants

In the ever-expanding world of streaming services, Sony's Bravia Core is an intriguing newcomer that promises top-quality content, but it comes with a major caveat that threatens to drag down the whole experience. While streaming giants like Disney+, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Apple TV manage to deliver 4K content at just 25 Mbps, Sony's Bravia Core demands a staggering 115 Mbps for its highest quality, Pure Stream. This shocking requirement alone should raise eyebrows, but the real kicker is that even if you have a lightning-fast internet connection, your Sony Bravia TV, including top models like the Bravia A95L, X95L, A90L, X93L, A80L, and more, might not be able to keep up, thanks to its paltry 100 Mbps Ethernet LAN port speed.

A Question of Accessibility

In a world where convenience and accessibility are king, Sony's Core seems to be testing the limits of both. A fundamental principle of streaming services is that they should be accessible to a wide range of users with varying internet speeds and equipment. Sony's apparent disregard for this principle is evident in the fact that, even with a super-fast internet connection, you may not be able to unlock the full potential of the Bravia Core, due to the hardware limitations of your Sony TV.

The Competition: Bridging the Gap

Meanwhile, streaming giants like Disney+, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Apple TV have managed to strike a balance between quality and accessibility, with a minimum requirement of just 25 Mbps for 4K content. This allows millions of users to enjoy stunning visuals without the need for a major internet upgrade. Even HBO MAX, known for its high-quality content, only requires 50+ Mbps for 4K streaming, and Hulu manages 4K content at 16 Mbps. These services understand that not everyone has access to gigabit-speed internet, and they cater to the masses.

The Exclusivity of Pure Stream

In the age of rapidly evolving technology and increasing consumer expectations, Sony's Bravia Core should have been designed to accommodate a broader user base. Instead, it seems to be catering to an elite few who own the PlayStation 5, the only Sony product with a Gigabit Ethernet port, capable of handling the immense 115 Mbps requirement for Pure Stream. It seems the only way to get Pure Stream is through a PlayStation 5, leaving many Bravia TV owners, including those who own top models like the Bravia A95L, X95L, A90L, X93L, A80L, and more, scratching their heads, pondering why they can't get the full Bravia Core experience on the TVs specifically designed to showcase Sony's premium content.

The Need for Reevaluation

The lack of foresight and consideration for the average consumer is, without a doubt, a significant oversight on Sony's part. While they may argue that the ultra-high-quality Pure Stream option is for those with top-of-the-line setups, the fact that the vast majority of their loyal customers, even those who own Sony's top TV models, are left in the digital dust is inexcusable.

In conclusion, Sony's streaming service, Bravia Core, exhibits a lack of understanding of the streaming market's requirements, with its excessively high 115 Mbps demand for top-quality content. The fact that the Ethernet LAN port on Sony Bravia TVs, including top models like the Bravia A95L, X95L, A90L, X93L, A80L, and more, is limited to a mere 100 Mbps only exacerbates the problem, leaving users in the lurch. In a world where inclusivity should be paramount, Sony's Core feels more like an exclusive club where only a select few are welcome. As other streaming giants effortlessly cater to a diverse audience, Sony seems to be alienating its own customers, a move that could prove detrimental in the long run. It's high time Sony recognized the need to reevaluate and redesign its Bravia Core service to truly meet the needs of its users.